Mated

Today's the day! I am beyond excited! Today is the day Aaron and I become mates. I haven't seen him in the last 48 hours and won't until the ceremony. We both had to prepare our packs for us being gone for a week. Father and Carson will handle Red Rivers and Clayton will cover Midnight Moon. Both packs are in good hands.

I stayed the night with Samantha so we could spend the day together... at least until 2PM when the ceremony will start.

"Up! Up! Little wolf! Its 10AM! I let you sleep in because I know it will be a long night but enough is enough get up!" Sam rants throwing open the door.

I've been up for nearly two hours due to nerves but couldn't get up. I've been frozen in place thinking about today. I'm going to have a mate! I'm going to be an Alpha in two packs... I can't really be called a Luna when I am an Alpha so it's like I'm number one Alpha in my pack and number two Alpha in Aaron's. This is going to take some getting used to.

We still need to figure out where we are going to live! How we will handle pack issues. We have alot to figure out about this. How will our packs respond? I mean I know my people like Aaron and I think his like me. But giving them another leader another Alpha will they respect us both as Alpha? I am panicking.

"Calm down little one..." Sam says sitting on the bed. "It will all work out."

I sigh. Sam is amazing she calms me easily. I'm gonna miss her when I'm not here. I know we will have to rotate between pack houses. I will miss a lot here. But I'll be in touch and it's only a few hours away. I'm sure I'll be home a lot. I am Alpha after all.

"Thanks Sam." I smile.

"Ok get up now! We need to do your hair and light makeup. I know you don't like it but give me something! Eyes and lips? Come on Lilly!" Sam insists. I love her. A little crazy when it comes to getting all dolled up but amazing.

"Fine." I sigh then smile at her. "Just don't cover my freckles." I know Aaron likes them. I feel myself blush. I will not be telling her that's the reason.

She does my hair and makeup. It looks amazing! Samantha is an artist no doubt about it. I slide into momma's dress and it is beautiful. A long gown. Pure white. The back is open. It sparkles in the light. It has a deep v that goes between my breast with straps that lace behind my neck. It fits snugly down my body. I love it!

"You look just like your mother!" Sam is crying at this point. I do look like momma.

"Yes she does!" Father walks in. "You are beautiful little wolf." He comes over to me and gives me a hug. "We've got an hour before this thing starts. Let's go for a walk."

I nod and we leave Sam crying. It's a good thing I left. If I'd stayed she would never stop crying and wouldn't be ready in time for the ceremony.

"You ready for this little wolf?" Father asks. I take a deep breath.

"I hope so." I have no doubts about Aaron but I am afraid of what will happen after with our packs. Two Alphas will be difficult to navigate.

"You can't be worried about the boy. I've seen you two the past few months. He loves you and you him." He says.

"I'm not worried about that. It's just... how will the packs respond? Will we rule well together? Being together just us is one thing but how do we deal with pack issues? Will they accept two Alphas?" I ramble. Father laughs.

"They already have. If you look at how Aaron's pack responds to you and yours to him you'd see it. You are both well respected and loved. There will be a lot of bumps in the road as you figure out how to lead together and respect each other as leaders but you will figure it out. I'm proud of you little wolf." Father says I feel a tear fall and he wipes it away. Thank you Sam for waterproof makeup.

"Thank you Daddy." I say hugging him.

"I love you little wolf." He kisses my head. We walk around the pack mostly quiet. It's nice just spending time with him. "We'd better head over... it's time."

The usually empty field is full of wolves. They are standing on either side of a pathway marked by wildflowers. The Alphas fill the area closest to the front with my pack on the left and Aaron's on the right. I can see the whole set up as we approach in the trees. Before we step out I stop.

"There are so many people! I don't know about this! What if I mess up? Why did ALL the Alphas need to come? Daddy?! I think I'm gonna be sick!" I frantically whisper. Father turns me to face him.

"Breath little wolf!" He whispers back looking me in the eye. I calm a little. He laughs pulling me into a hug. "This is not about them... focus on the boy. This is about you and him. Don't look at the crowd. Keep eye contact with him and you will be fine." I take a breath and nod. We link elbows and walk towards my mate.

Alpha Aaron's POV

I've been ready for hours. I can't breath I miss her and its only been two days!

"And in a few hours she'll be ours forever!" My wolf says. It calms me down. Mine... Mate... Forever... I like the idea.

"Lookin' sharp bro!" Carson says walking into my room.

"Thanks man." I tell him... "were you this nervous on the day of your mates ceremony?" I am panting. I seriously can't breath.

"Worse... I threw up right before." He laughs.

"It's still early!" I say. My heart is racing I think I might pass out. I'm hyperventilating.

"Dude deep breaths... you need to chill or you won't make it through the ceremony. And believe me once your marked... man all this fuss is worth it... especially the first few hours!" It calms me down. I will be marked today!

"What is it like? I mean... what should I expect?" I want to know. Mason told me I don't understand the feeling of being marked but I want to. I am so out of my depth here. I'm clueless!

"Well at first it hurts, but that is quickly replaced with complete ecstasy... and that's just when her teeth sink in! A mind link opens between you. It's not like a normal link tho you can talk to each other sure but you can also share thoughts like images a movie in your mind. You can also feel EVERYTHING she does and she can feel what you do. It is insanely strong until you finish the process... makes for the best night of your life." He explains.

"Wow... so I can send her a movie of my thoughts?" I ask an idea forming.

"Yea... tho once you are fully mated she will be able to block you out... until then have fun her mind is open to you... but just be careful the opposite is true too... don't push too hard or she may push back." He warns.

"Hummm..." I don't much listen to him. That woman has been toying with me for months. My turn. I smile.

"Come on or we'll be late." Carson leads me to the clearing.

I stand in front of a thousand wolves looking down a flowered path. My heart starts racing again. I watch for any sign of movement in the trees. I see her briefly but she stops. I feel my wolf whine. Come on Lilly! A moment later she steps out with Mason. As they walk down the path Lilly's eyes never leave mine. She. Is. Beautiful!

"Close your mouth pup." I hear Carson say standing next to me. He moves into the crowd as I compose myself. Soon they reach me and Mason kisses her on the cheek. He gives me her hand and leans over to my ear.

"You better take care of her Aaron." He whispers and I nod.

"We are gathered here to witness the joining of two young mates. Alpha Aaron Thatcher Rose and Alpha Lilly Anne Blackthorn." Mason turns first to me.

"Do you Alpha Aaron Thatcher Rose promise to be devoted to this woman through all life's trials whether sick or well, rich or poor. In the good times and the bad. To be loyal to her and place her happiness and well being above your own for all your lives?"

"I do."

"And do you Alpha Lilly Anne Blackthorn promise to be devoted to this man through all life's trials whether sick or well, rich or poor. In the good times and the bad. To be loyal to him and place his happiness and well being above your own for all your lives?"

"I do."

"As Elder and former Alpha of the Red Rivers pack I declare you are mates husband and wife for all of time. You may place your mark claiming this wolf as your own from this moment on."

I unbutton my shirt. I can see where my mark will lay on her and I can't wait. I slide the shirt away to reveal my shoulder. Just above my collar bone at the base of my neck will soon be the one scar I don't hate. The one that brings me joy every time I see it.

"You first." I whisper to her turning my head to a low her access. She smiles and slides her hand along the spot. I can feel her breath as she kisses it. "Dang it woman! Make your mark!" I whisper harshly. She needs to stop toying with me! She chuckles and glides her teeth along my skin. I let out a soft growl and she bites down.

My brother was right I can't even explain the joy that floods my body. Without hesitation my teeth sink into her. I feel her go stiff a moment and have to stop myself from growing. I know it's not me. That dog did a number on her. She relaxes into me and I feel my chest rumble content in this moment. She slides her teeth out and I do the same kissing my mark she shakes I feel her grip tighten on my arms.

"Not fair" she whispers and kisses her mark on me. I know what she means. As her lips make contact I feel like I'm going to collapse it feels so good.

"Alright! Alphas and families please make your way to the banquet hall for the reception!" Mason calls.

As we walk to the hall I leave my shirt undone. I want everyone to see that I am a marked man!

Alpha Lilly's POV

Wow!

I am marked... I am permanently marked and I love it! We walk hand in hand to the banquet hall. I can see my mark plainly on his skin. He left his shirt partially unbuttoned and I am glad! Many wolves walk with us. Aaron smiles at me.

"We have a mind link now" he links to me. I am so glad about that!

"So we do." I link back casually.

"You're excited." He says.

"So are you!" I pause a moment. "I can feel what you do! So weird! Wait a second. What are you thinking. You're planning something! You mischievous little..."

"Lilly." He cuts me off. "Remember how I told you you'd pay for toying with me?"

"Yea... you said it enough times." I link.

"Payments due." The next thing I know my mind is flooded with thoughts. Images of him and me and... I'm not even going to describe what he is thinking!

"Knock it off!" I tell him blushing.

"Not a chance!" He responds. I glare at him. "Have I ever told you you're cute when your mad?"

At this point we reach the hall. We sit at an elevated table. I grip my knee as a new story line enters my mind. I feel my heart rate pick up.

"I'm sorry ok?" I hiss at him. I can't concentrate like this! He is driving me nuts. What if someone asks me about my blushing or clenched jaw or the rapid beating in my chest. This is torture! Soo embarrassing!

"Sweet sweet torture!" My wolf purrs.

"Of course you'd be loving this!" She just continues basking in his thoughts.

"I don't think you've paid for the last couple months yet babe." He grins at me and a new wave of images enter my mind.

"Mind if I dance with my daughter, Aaron?" Father asks holding out a hand.

"By all means!" He says to my father then grins at me. "Have fun, Lil."

He is loving this. He sits there with a smug grin. I can feel how much fun he is having.

"You ok little wolf?" Father asks as we dance.

"Fine... Aaron is just enjoying the mind link a little too much." I tell him. A new flash of images hits my mind and I blush. Father starts to laugh and I turn my attention to him.

"You know you kinda deserve it." He whispers. What he knows! Oh my! I turn an even darker shade of red.

"How?" I growl at him. He laughs even harder.

"You've been touring that boy... plus I think every male likes to send his mate some... ideas?" He grins. No My father can not be ok with this! The overprotective dad in him can't be!

"No! Make him stop please! I don't think I can survive this party with his bombardment. I can't do it!" We are still whispering but I am frantic! If he knows he can make Aaron stop! "Please Daddy?" I beg with the biggest puppy dog eyes I can muster. He laughs and leans in so he is right next to my ear.

"No." He says then straightens up laughing. "I love you little wolf. But you know... he's your mate you need to figure stuff out with him. I can't solve all your problems any more, pup. Plus..." he leans down again right next to my ear "I want grandpups!"

He steps away laughing. I stand on the dance floor my jaw on the floor. He did not just say. "Too soon Dad!" I link him but I have to cut off the conversation as more images hit my mind.

Aaron walks up to me and takes my hand. He pulls me into him and we begin swaying to the music.

"Two can play this game!" I whisper in his ear. I feel his shock as he looks down at me.

I begin to send him some of my own ideas. He turns red and his jaw drops. I allow my wolf to aid in my creativity.

"Lilly stop!" He says grip on my waist tightening.

"You didn't even say please." I say sheepishly. Pouting at him.

"Please." He growls.

"I think not." I say smiling. "You didn't stop when I asked."

"Dang it Lilly I can't control myself with that in my mind!" He says and I laugh.

"Serves you right!" I tell him.

"Fine a deal... I will stop if you do." He says looking at me. "A truce for the rest of the party."

"Deal." I say and we both stop our assaults.

We meet with many Alphas and Lunas. They all congregate us. We are far more powerful than anyone here. Our two packs now joined through us. Yea they all want to be on our good side. Except for Anthony that is. He is rude as ever and only addresses Aaron. That's ok I don't like him anyway and I know if he were to act differently it would be a lie.

We have a good time. Eventually the crowd thins out as the Alphas leave. Our family hugs on us and they go off to run our packs. Once we are alone Aaron turns to me.

"I've been thinking. You ruined my plan so I need a new one. I'm not finishing the mates process until you ask me to." He says with a grin. He kisses his mark and I feel weak. "Your gonna have to beg me." He whispers.

"I don't think so Aaron." I tell him. Boy has no self control once he has the opportunity we will be fully mated. "You can't control yourself. No way I give in before you."

"Wanna bet?... the fact that I didn't mark you before now speaks to my patience." He grins.

"What's the bet because I know you can't hold on much longer." I tell him. Running my fingers across my mark. He growls.

"I win we go to Seattle tomorrow." He proposes.

"I thought you liked the beach." I say.

"No you like the beach and I don't really care... but rainy weather means we will be stuck in our room. ALL. DAY!" He says.

"Deal!" I tell him. It's not even a fair bet. We are going to the beach. "Don't forget to pack your swim trunks Aaron."

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Author time!

okay so I'm curious about which characters resonate with My readers. We all have our favorites so tell me yours!

Lilly

Aaron

Alpha Mason (Lilly's Father)

Brayden (had to put the little guy in here!)

Carson

Other?

let me know!